The Disney boss responsible for Pearl Harborhas quit after the Second World War epic fell short at the US box office.
The wartime romance had been touted as the next Titanicbut failed to set the US box office alight and is so far nowhere near breaking even.
Walt Disney Studios chairman Mr Peter Schneider stepped down after 18 months in charge. Other flops during his reign include 102 Dalmatiansand The Emperor's New Groove.
The final factor was rival studio DreamWorks' success with the computer-animated Shrek, released the same weekend in America as Pearl Harborand now ahead by almost £30 million at the box office.
Walt Disney chairman and chief executive Mr Michael Eisner told Inside.comMr Schneider had "chosen to go back to his roots in live theatre".
No successor was named for the studio boss, who had worked for Disney since 1985.
Pearl Harborgot a poor reception from critics, who disliked its storyline, although there was praise for the 40-minute portrayal of the Japanese attack on the Hawaiian naval base that brought America into the war.
There had also been a lukewarm response for Atlantis, the new animated adventure that is the first from Disney not to have singing characters .
It was roundly beaten at the box office by Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, which stars Angelina Jolie and took almost £35 million compared with £14.5 million for Disney's animation in their first weekends.
PA